The ANU student asked to provide death certificates for relatives allegedly killed in Gaza during a royal commission into antisemitism has sparked widespread outrage. The Australian National University student sought an exam extension after losing family members in the Israel-Gaza conflict, but was told by a supervisor to obtain proof of death. The royal commission heard this case on Thursday, highlighting tensions on campus.
Royal Commission Details on ANU Student Case
Barrister Yasser Bakri, representing the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, questioned ANU’s acting provost Prof Joan Leach about the incident. The student was reportedly asked for death certificates to verify their relatives’ deaths in Gaza. Leach admitted she was unaware of the case but deemed the staffer’s response inappropriate. The royal commission is examining antisemitism and social cohesion in Australian universities.
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University Response to Pro-Palestine Encampment
Leach also addressed a pro-Palestine encampment established on ANU grounds in April 2024. An internal safety review rated the encampment’s psychosocial risk as high. Despite concerns, Leach denied the university lost control, stating security now has protocols for such protests. The encampment targeted the university’s links to weapons manufacturers.
| Key Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Student Request | Exam extension due to Gaza deaths |
| Supervisor Response | Required death certificates |
| Royal Commission Finding | Response deemed inappropriate |
| Encampment Risk Rating | High psychosocial risk |
Key Takeaways from the Hearing
- ANU student faced bureaucratic hurdles after family deaths in Gaza.
- Royal commission highlights university handling of sensitive cases.
- Pro-Palestine encampment raised safety concerns but not loss of control.
- New procedures now guide protest management at ANU.
FAQ
Why did the ANU student need death certificates?
The student was asked to provide death certificates as proof of relatives killed in Gaza to receive an exam extension, according to the royal commission.
What did the royal commission conclude?
The commission found the supervisor’s request for death certificates was inappropriate, and it is examining broader antisemitism and social cohesion issues.
Did ANU lose control of its campus?
No, Prof Joan Leach denied the university lost control, though an internal review rated the encampment’s psychosocial risk as high.
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